In 2026, the ITS European Congress will take place in one of the world’s most iconic and transformative cities: Istanbul. As the only metropolis in the world that connects two continents, Istanbul represents not just a geographical bridge between East and West — but a powerful symbol of integration, innovation, and inclusive progress in mobility.
With the theme “Bridging innovation: Integrated, safe and seamless mobility”, the 17th ITS European Congress finds its natural home in a city that is actively redefining the mobility of people and goods — across modes, regions, and systems.
A City Turning Vision into Action
Hosting the Congress in Istanbul offers more than a change of scenery — it offers a real-world model of mobility transformation at scale. In recent years, Istanbul has established itself as a leader among European cities through bold planning, strategic investment, and visionary governance.
The city’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) — the first of its kind in Turkey and a flagship for megacities worldwide — lays the groundwork for an integrated, accessible, and low-emission transport system. Aligned with the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the plan focuses on congestion, promotes modal shift, and invests in safe, equitable, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Complementing this, Istanbul Vision 2050 provides a long-term strategic framework rooted in inclusivity, quality of life, and environmental responsibility. It sets ambitious goals for accessible mobility, digital infrastructure, and compact urban design — creating a dynamic blueprint for sustainable urban futures.
Together, these frameworks make Istanbul a living laboratory for the Congress’s core theme: delivering integrated, safe, and seamless mobility for all.
Beyond its local achievements, Istanbul’s sustainable mobility agenda is closely aligned with European priorities. Through its SUMP and Vision 2050 strategies, the city supports the objectives of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy. Istanbul’s role in developing low-emission corridors and enhancing intercontinental connectivity strengthens its position within Europe’s broader vision for a resilient, integrated, and decarbonised transport network.
This shared ambition is backed by strong local leadership. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), as host of the Congress, plays a central role in transforming these strategies into action.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye and with the support of leading national and regional stakeholders — including ISBAK, ITS Türkiye, and the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye (TBB) — the 17th ITS European Congress will showcase not only international dialogue, but also local ownership and implementation at the highest level.
A Testbed for Scalable Solutions
Istanbul’s scale and complexity reflect the realities faced by many European and global cities: high-density populations, multimodal transport systems, and growing demands for decarbonisation and digitalisation.
Istanbul is actively meeting these challenges by:
- Expanding public and maritime transport networks
- Building city-wide cycling and pedestrian routes
- Creating low-emission zones and mobility hubs
- Piloting digital freight and urban logistics platforms
- Committing to 100% step-free access on public transports
- Expanding public and maritime transport networks
- Building city-wide cycling and pedestrian routes
- Creating low-emission zones and mobility hubs
- Piloting smart freight management and urban logistics platforms
- Committing to 100% step-free access on public transport
- Promoting intermodality and seamless transfer hubs
- Advancing digitalisation and real-time information in public transport
- Implementing data-driven and AI-based urban mobility management
- Digitalising parking with smart reservation systems
For stakeholders across the ITS ecosystem, Istanbul offers a unique opportunity to engage with mature and emerging markets, test scalable technologies, and witness systemic change in motion.
At the Congress, participants will experience Istanbul’s transformation first-hand:
- Attend live showcases of integrated mobility technologies in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments.
- Explore future mobility solutions through interactive technical tours across new cycling corridors, multimodal hubs, and low-emission zones.
- Engage directly with global technology leaders, policymakers, innovators, and city representatives shaping the next era of urban transport.
- Discover real-world projects that are bridging innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.
The 17th ITS European Congress will offer not just know-how but immersion into a city redefining mobility across continents.
Where East Meets West — and the Future of Mobility Arises
Culturally rich, economically vibrant, and technologically ambitious, Istanbul embodies the diversity, creativity, and ambition driving Europe’s mobility agenda forward.
As the host city of the 17th ITS European Congress, Istanbul will bring together thousands of experts, innovators, institutions, and industries — not only to share knowledge, but to shape actionable pathways for a safer, cleaner, and more connected mobility future.
From thought-provoking sessions and high-level policy exchanges to technical demonstrations and urban tours, the Congress in Istanbul will be a landmark moment for the ITS community – a unique opportunity to experience how one city is connecting regions, technologies, and people to drive Europe’s sustainable mobility future.
Join Us in Istanbul
Experience a city transforming mobility across continents.
Explore innovations shaping the future of transport.
Be part of a global movement – where East meets West and ideas drive change.
